Music Lesson: Introducing the Note G

Overview

In this lesson, we will be learning how to play the note G, which completes our five-note scale. The notes in our scale are:

• C
• D
• E
• F
• G (highest note)

Techniques for Higher Notes

When playing higher notes, remember to:

• Tighten your lips
• Blow a little harder

You might find that you have played G's before when aiming for C's, resulting in a slightly higher pitch.

Demonstration of Notes

• C: Open, no fingers, quite relaxed.
• G: No fingers again, lips tight.

Playing the Five Note Scale

Let's put this into context by playing five notes in a row, going up in pitch each time:

• Remember to use a lot of air when reaching for the upper G.
• Always hold your trumpet with two hands for better control.
• When switching the valves, avoid picking your fingers up in between. Instead, do a quick clean switch to ensure smoother notes.

Tonguing

Don't forget to use your tongue every time you play a note, especially during this song.

Rhythm Practice

Counting Rhythm

We will integrate counting into our practice:

• 1, 2, 3, 4 and then
• "stamp on the floor" to help establish a solid rhythm.

Playing with Rhythm

Let's play:

• Count: 1, 2, 3, 4
• Play the section on E while counting. Here's how it goes:
  • One, two, then stamp on the floor. One, two, three, four.

Options for Playing

You have two options in this section:

1. Play on E's and F's with upper G.
2. If upper notes are tricky, you can play a harmony starting on C:
   • C, C, C, C, D, E, D, C.

Both lines will sound great, especially if played together with more than one person!

Main Melody

The main melody starts on E:

• Use quick tongueing with "T" when shifting to F.
• Practice until you can join them together.

Upcoming Notes

For the second time, you can either repeat the same notes starting on E or, if ready, start on G, our new note. Remember:

• Use tight lips for the higher notes.

Learning A

If you choose to play the G section, you will also need to learn A, another upper note, which I will explain in the next tune.

Improvisation

Practice Improvisation

For the improvisation part, you can use:

• Ta, ta, ta, ta tonguing patterns.
• Draw inspiration from the melody to enhance your improvisation.

Counting and Responses

• Count in a 2 feel: 1, 2, 1, 2.
• I will do some short phrases; you can copy back when confident.

Here I go:

• 1, 2, 1, 2. Your turn!

Final Encourage

Let's go up to the G this time; use your tongue to create interesting rhythms. Feel free to express yourself and create whatever you like!